The crisp winter air made for a perfect chili atmosphere Saturday afternoon as the community gathered to take part in what has quickly become one of the most cherished events of the year.
The Arts Council of Plant City’s annual Chilifest raises funds for the organization, which in turn promotes the arts in Plant City and provides local students with scholarships.
The festival was held at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and crowds flocked to watch live entertainment from Drawdy’s Dance School and sample the numerous flavorful chilis.
Teams compete each year in three categories: novelty, mild and spicy.
Three celebrity judges blind taste the chili and rank their top two picks, and attendees have the opportunity to throw their hats in the ring and vote on the chili that wins their hearts.
While every year features remarkable dishes, 2020’s teams brought their A-game and really gave their competitors a run for their money. Massive crock-pots were proudly on display at each table and several of the competitors had their tasters attempt to guess their secret ingredients. One team used half a gallon of Krazy Kup coffee in its chili while another threw a curveball by adding cinnamon to its tangy concoction.
By the time they had sampled every single entry guests were ready to stretch out and slip into a food coma, but the hardest part was yet to come. Many families and friends slowly ate their way through the numerous booths and then huddled under the depot awning to discuss their favorites. The small red ticket they were handed when they purchased their bowl was then awarded to their favorite recipe.
Sponsors of the event were Poppell Insurance, Inc., Jarrett Scott Ford, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Krazy Kup, Walden Lake Car Wash, Dodie White, Bill and Gwen Thomas, Joe and Melanie Knox, Maggie Carlisle, Billy and Marsha Passmore, AP Tew Services LLC, Trinkle, Redman, Coton and Davis P.A., Pat and Darcy Stottlemyer, the United Food Bank of Plant City — Mary Heysek and the Plant City Photo Archives. The in-kind sponsors were Drawdy’s Dance School, the Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City Parks & Recreation Department, Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Plant City High School — Students Community Service.
Winners
Mild
First Place: Holloway Heat
Second Place: Brick City Bricks
Novelty
First Place: YaYa Sisters X6
Second Place: Krazy Kup
Spicy
First Place: Focus Magazine
Second Place: Holloway Heat
People’s Choice: Brick City Bricks